News

SBLII | Where to watch Patriots vs Eagles

03 Feb
Michael Dilley All News , , , , ,

Tomorrow night Super Bowl 52 takes place in Minneapolis between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, but if you’re still looking for somewhere closer to home to watch the game we’ve got you covered.

Super Bowl Parties

There are plenty of Super Bowl parties around, but if you’re looking for somewhere to go in Bedford or Milton Keynes there’ll be Eagles players, coaches and committee members here…

The Hub, Bedford

It’s the biggest night of the year at the University of Bedfordshire Hub on Polhill Avenue. Attendance last year topped 300, so arrive early to guarantee yourself a seat.

They’ll be offering American-style food, and four pints of Budweiser for £10. Check out the event on Facebook here.

MK11, Milton Keynes

Hot food, multiple screens, big projector – what more do you need to know? Check out the event on Facebook here.

TV, Online and Radio

If you’d rather watch the game in the comfort of your own home, you can catch all the build up and action on Sky Sports from 10pm, and BBC One from 11.15pm.

NFL GamePass customers can watch the NBC coverage live on the GamePass app.

If radio is more your thing, the game is live on talkSPORT Radio with all the build up on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2.

Come and Try

The best way to warm up for the Super Bowl is by attending our Senior Team Open Session at the University of Bedfordshire on Polhill Avenue between 11am and 12:30pm.

If you are aged 18 or above and have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What to expect

If you want to know what to expect at the session, check out this highlights video from our previous Bedford session in November:

What you’ll need

There are a few things you’ll need to bring with you to the session:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Rugby or football boots as the session will be taking place on grass
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield

How to get there

Register your interest

To register your interest in the session, please respond to our Facebook event, complete the form below, or get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Before the session you will be asked to complete a simple registration form (registrations open at 10.45am). If you would like to download a registration form and complete it ahead of the session, you can do so here.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

SBLII | Who will win the biggest game of them all?

02 Feb
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , ,

Can the New England Patriots go back-to-back and win a record sixth Lombardi Trophy, or will the Philadelphia Eagles finally end their Super Bowl drought and win the biggest game of them all at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday?

We asked some of our members what they thought ahead of Super Bowl 52…

Jeremy Charlton: Would like the eagles to win but can’t change the inevitable…

Neale McMaster: I’d like to see the Eagles win, but as much as I dislike them, I can’t see past the Patriots. I absolutely love Bill Belichick as a coach, he’s awesome, and Tom Brady operated that offensive system perfectly. I think they’ll win by three scores.

Mike Davies: If the Patriots win, maybe Brady will retire and give someone else a go…

Danny Cousins: Love an underdog. But can’t see anything other than a Patriots win.

Harry Rackham: Patriots win allowing Brady and Belichick to ride off into the sunset as the goats, clearing the path for a Bears dynasty.

Jonathan Chilton: I’m going to go with the Eagles. Logic makes the Patriots favourites but they were slow to start against Jags and maybe this is one of those days where Brady doesn’t perform.

Mark Brown: An Eagles win in overtime.

Gareth Pullen: Pats 27 Eagles 21.

Neil Duffy: Can’t we all forget about the score and just hope all the players have fun…and so says everyone who isn’t a Patriots fan…because although we have seen favourites simply not turn up at the Super Bowl before, I have a funny feeling Brady is about to make an announcement a few days afterwards and will want to go out on a high…

Troy Mayer: Patriots 31 – 14 Eagles. Two firing offences but the Patriots have their talisman, the Eagles don’t and after last year’s Super Bowl anything is possible with Brady at the forefront. Unlike everyone else though as Brady is possibly the most competitive person on the planet I don’t think he will retire. 6 rings won’t be enough and records are only made to be broken after all…but then again I’m a Lions fan so I don’t know what a Superbowl is.

Ikenna Iloka: Eagles, because of the strength of their defense and their offense seems to be firing on all cylinders. I don’t see the Pats offense being able to get past the Eagles defense.

Oliver Chesters-Lewis: Pats to win 28-10, the Eagles have looked good on defense but the Pats showed they can score against high powered-defences and shut-out a Foles who isn’t reliable.

Stevie Cole: For the first time in my life I am begrudgingly going for the Pats as I can not root for them dirty birds as bitter NFC East rivals. Their fan’s proudest moment to date might be the body bag game. Doh! #HTTR

Rachel Marscheider: Think the Pats will win (they over came the strong Jags defense) but I shall be rooting for the Eagles – Dolphins fan here so I shall never ever cheer for the Pats.

Come and Try

Our Senior Team are holding a further Open Sessions on Sunday 4th and 11th February at the University of Bedfordshire on Polhill Avenue between 11am and 12:30pm.

American Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and with the success of the NFL International Series interest in the game has never been higher.

If you are aged 18 or above and have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What to expect

If you want to know what to expect at the session, check out this highlights video from our previous Bedford session in November:

What you’ll need

There are a few things you’ll need to bring with you to the session:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Rugby or football boots as the session will be taking place on grass
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield

How to get there

Register your interest

To register your interest in the session, please respond to our Facebook event, complete the form below, or get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Before the session you will be asked to complete a simple registration form (registrations open at 10.45am). If you would like to download a registration form and complete it ahead of the session, you can do so here.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | Further Open Session announced

30 Jan
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Senior Football , ,

Our Senior Team are holding a further Open Session on Sunday 11th February at the University of Bedfordshire on Polhill Avenue between 11am and 12:30pm.

American Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and with the success of the NFL International Series interest in the game has never been higher.

If you are aged 18 or above and have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What to expect

If you want to know what to expect at the session, check out this highlights video from our previous Bedford session in November:

What you’ll need

There are a few things you’ll need to bring with you to the session:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Rugby or football boots as the session will be taking place on grass
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield

How to get there

Register your interest

To register your interest in the session, please respond to our Facebook event, complete the form below, or get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Before the session you will be asked to complete a simple registration form (registrations open at 10.45am). If you would like to download a registration form and complete it ahead of the session, you can do so here.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | 2018 League Alignment confirmed

29 Jan
Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football , , , , ,

The British American Football Association (BAFA) have announced a further expansion of Division 1 of the National League from 20 to 24 teams for the 2018 season, and sees the Eagles remain in the SFC1 Central Conference.

Joining the Eagles in SFC1 Central this year are 2017 opponents Oxford Saints, Solent Thrashers and Sussex Thunder, as well as Berkshire Renegades and Bristol Apache – both promoted from Division Two.

Each team will play each other twice during the regular season (once at home and once away). Details of the regular season schedule are expected to be announced in the coming weeks but will take place between Sunday 15th April and Sunday 19th August.

2017 Play-Off Structure

As per the 2017 season eight teams in Division 1 will progress to the play-offs, consisting of the top two teams in each of the four conferences (NFC1 North, NFC1 South, SFC1 Central and SFC1 East).

The first round of the play-offs will see the #1 seed in the SFC/NFC face and #4 seed, and the #2 seed meet the #3 ranked team.

The Division 1 Championship will be decided between the NFC1 and SFC1 winners.

2017 Divisional 1 Alignments

NFC1 North

– Gateshead Senators
– Glasgow Tigers
– Lancashire Wolverines
– Leeds Bobcats
– Newcastle Vikings/Lightning
– Yorkshire Rams

NFC1 South

– Coventry Jets
– Doncaster Mustangs
– Leicester Falcons
– Nottingham Caesars
– Sandwell Steelers
– Shropshire Revolution

SFC1 Central

– Berkshire Renegades
– Bristol Apache
– Oxford Saints
– Ouse Valley Eagles
– Solent Thrashers
– Sussex Thunder

SFC1 East

– Cambridgeshire Cats
– Colchester Gladiators
– East Kent Mavericks
– Kent Exiles
– London Hornets
– Wembley Stallions

Super Bowl Sunday Open Session

Start your Super Bowl Sunday the right way!

Our Senior Team are holding a further Open Session on Sunday – 4th February at the University of Bedfordshire on Polhill Avenue between 11am and 12:30pm.

American Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and with the success of the NFL International Series interest in the game has never been higher.

If you are aged 18 or above and have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What to expect

If you want to know what to expect at the session, check out this highlights video from our previous Bedford session in November:

What you’ll need

There are a few things you’ll need to bring with you to the session:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Rugby or football boots as the session will be taking place on grass
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield

How to get there

Register your interest

To register your interest in the session, please respond to our Facebook event, complete the form below, or get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Before the session you will be asked to complete a simple registration form (registrations open at 10.45am). If you would like to download a registration form and complete it ahead of the session, you can do so here.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | Super Bowl Sunday Open Session

21 Jan
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Senior Football , ,

Start your Super Bowl Sunday the right way!

Our Senior Team are holding a further Open Session on Sunday – 4th February at the University of Bedfordshire on Polhill Avenue between 11am and 12:30pm.

American Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and with the success of the NFL International Series interest in the game has never been higher.

If you are aged 18 or above and have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What to expect

If you want to know what to expect at the session, check out this highlights video from our previous Bedford session in November:

What you’ll need

There are a few things you’ll need to bring with you to the session:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Rugby or football boots as the session will be taking place on grass
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield

How to get there

Register your interest

To register your interest in the session, please respond to our Facebook event, complete the form below, or get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Before the session you will be asked to complete a simple registration form (registrations open at 10.45am). If you would like to download a registration form and complete it ahead of the session, you can do so here.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | 2017 AGM Minutes

08 Jan
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , ,

The Club AGM, postponed from last month due to the snow, took place on Sunday 7th January at the University of Bedfordshire.

Attended by members, coaches, friends, family and supporters, the meeting covered off elections to the committee for the year ahead, as well as a brief financial update and a look ahead to the upcoming year.

2017 Election Results

All committee positions will be up for election at the meeting, except for the role of Club Chairman which has a two-year term and was elected last year:

– Treasurer (two-year role): Nick Chapman
– Academy Coordinator (two-year role): Mark Chilton
– Flag Football Coordinator (two-year role): Matthew Couldridge
– Communications Manager (one-year role): Vacant
– Child Welfare Officer (one-year role): Jenny Chilton
– 3 x Ordinary Members (one-year role): Gareth Pullen, 2x vacancies

Following the application and election process there is currently a vacancy on the Committee for a Communications Managers and two “Ordinary Members”. Fore more information on the role please get in touch.

To download the public version of the AGM presentation please click here.

NEWS | AGM Rescheduled

20 Dec
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football ,

The Club AGM, postponed from earlier this month due to the snow, has been rescheduled for Sunday 7th January at the University of Bedfordshire, starting at 3pm.

Who can attend?

All club members, coaches, committee, friends, family and supporters are welcome to attend the AGM. This includes all teams under the Ouse Valley Football banner: Ouse Valley Eagles Senior, Bedford Blackhawks Flag, Bedford Blackhawks Youth, Milton Keynes Redwings Youth.

Agenda

We’ll try and keep things short, and focus on giving you a chance to ask questions rather than listen to us talk at you. We’ll cover elections to the committee for the year ahead (see below) as well as a brief financial update, a review of 2017 and then look ahead to the upcoming year.

Voting

All registered players, coaches, committee members and staff over the age of 18 will be eligible to vote. While we’d love to see former and prospective club members, players, coaches etc. on the day, only those registered for the 2017 season will be eligible to vote.

What if I cant go – can I still vote?

If you can’t make the meeting, you can ask someone to be your proxy. This means that you can ask someone to vote on your behalf, but you have to let us know in advance.

Constitutional amendments

We are currently reviewing our constitution to make sure it’s in good shape. There will be some minor amendments required to support the positions detailed below, and we’ll discuss those on the day.

Items for discussion

If you would like to request an item be raised or discussed at the AGM please let us know before 12pm on Sunday 31st December 2017.

Positions up for election

All committee positions will be up for election at the meeting, except for the role of Club Chairman which has a two-year term and was elected last year:

– Treasurer (two-year role)
– Academy Coordinator (two-year role)
– Flag Football Coordinator (two-year role)
– Communications Manager (one-year role)
– Child Welfare Officer (one-year role)
– 3 x Ordinary Members (one-year role)

How to apply

As per the Club Constitution, all persons intending to stand must give notification of their intent prior to the AGM by completing the form below. All nominations also have to be proposed by two team members – one of whom must be an existing Committee member.

All roles involve a significant amount of commitment. Prospective Committee members will need to to attend regular meetings via Google Hangouts, attend team events, own the delivery of specific pieces of work and have the time available carry out any tasks required.

There are a number of alternative ways to help the team without being on the Committee. We will be posting details of some particular vacancies we have shortly, so if you’d like to get involved in other ways, please watch this space!

Applications are now closed.

NEWS | AGM Postponed

10 Dec
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football ,

Due to the snow and potentially hazardous driving conditions today’s AGM has been postponed. It will be rearranged for early January, but in the meantime please find the relevant information as it stands below:

Who can attend?

All club members, coaches, committee, friends, family and supporters are welcome to attend the AGM. This includes all teams under the Ouse Valley Football banner: Ouse Valley Eagles Senior, Bedford Blackhawks Flag, Bedford Blackhawks Youth, Milton Keynes Redwings Youth.

Agenda

We’ll try and keep things short, and focus on giving you a chance to ask questions rather than listen to us talk at you. We’ll cover elections to the committee for the year ahead (see below) as well as a brief financial update, a review of 2017 and then look ahead to the upcoming year.

Voting

All registered players, coaches, committee members and staff over the age of 18 will be eligible to vote. While we’d love to see former and prospective club members, players, coaches etc. on the day, only those registered for the 2017 season will be eligible to vote.

What if I cant go – can I still vote?

If you can’t make the meeting, you can ask someone to be your proxy. This means that you can ask someone to vote on your behalf, but you have to let us know in advance.

Constitutional amendments

We are currently reviewing our constitution to make sure it’s in good shape. There will be some minor amendments required to support the positions detailed below, and we’ll discuss those on the day.

Items for discussion

If you would like to request an item be raised or discussed at the AGM please let us know before 12pm on Sunday 31st December 2017.

Positions up for election

All committee positions will be up for election at the meeting, except for the role of Club Chairman which has a two-year term and was elected last year:

– Treasurer (two-year role)
– Academy Coordinator (two-year role)
– Flag Football Coordinator (two-year role)
– Communications Manager (one-year role)
– Child Welfare Officer (one-year role)
– 3 x Ordinary Members (one-year role)

How to apply

As per the Club Constitution, all persons intending to stand must give notification of their intent prior to the AGM by completing the form below. All nominations also have to be proposed by two team members – one of whom must be an existing Committee member.

All roles involve a significant amount of commitment. Prospective Committee members will need to to attend regular meetings via Google Hangouts, attend team events, own the delivery of specific pieces of work and have the time available carry out any tasks required.

There are a number of alternative ways to help the team without being on the Committee. We will be posting details of some particular vacancies we have shortly, so if you’d like to get involved in other ways, please watch this space!

Applications are now closed.

NEWS | Luton Open Session this Sunday

23 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , , ,

Open to those interested in playing for the Ouse Valley Eagles senior (18+), Bedford Blackhawks Youth (U17) or Milton Keynes Redwings (U17) full contact teams, as well as the Blackhawks senior flag (16+) team, the fourth and final Open Session of the month takes place this Sunday in Luton.

The session runs from 10am to 12pm at Lealands High School, and registrations open at 9.45am.

If you have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of non-contact passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What to expect

If you want to know what to expect at the session, check out this highlights video from our session in Bedford earlier this month:

What you’ll need

If you are coming along please mark yourself as attending on the Facebook event, and there are a few things you’ll need to bring with you:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Footwear suitable to be worn on artificial turf
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield (optional but recommended)

Registration

Before the session you will be asked to complete a simple registration form (registrations open at 9.45am). Please note for U18s this will need to be completed by a parent or guardian. If you would like to download a registration form and complete it ahead of the session, you can do so here.

How to get there

Register your interest

It’s not too late to register your interest in Sunday’s session. Just complete the form below, get in touch via Twitter or check out the event on our Facebook page.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | Coaches Required

17 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , ,

The club are looking for coaches to work with each of our four teams ahead of the 2018 season.

The Eagles were formed in 2013 following a merger between the Milton Keynes Pathfinders and Bedfordshire Blue Raiders, initially as a Senior contact team offering football to those in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

The Bedford Blackhawks Flag team were created in 2016, and were soon joined by the Blackhawks Youth (now U17) kitted 5v5 team.

Last month we launched our Player Development Programme, which focuses on strength and conditioning, diet and nutrition, football education and skills measurement.

We also recently announced the formation of a second U17 contact team – the Milton Keynes Redwings – who will initially play friendly matches during a development year in 2018, with a view of joining the National League in 2019.

Requirements

The ideal candidates will hold a Level 1 BAFCA Coaching Qualification in American Football and have previous coaching experience, or be willing to obtain the qualification at the earliest opportunity.

They will be available for practice sessions and games, highly organised, able to communicate effectively, have a forward-thinking approach to American Football, a positive attitude and a passion for developing talent.

Player retention, recruitment and development is a central part of our coach’s role. As such you will be expected to work alongside our existing coaches in order to facilitate the transition of Academy players into the senior program, and from flag to contact football (and vice versa) as appropriate, demonstrating and promoting the values of the Club at all levels.

Application Process

To register your interest in coaching with our club, please complete the form below. All correspondence will be treated in confidence.